Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Physicochemical properties as related to mineralogical composition of floodplain soils in humid tropical environment and the pedological significance

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Floodplains represent a huge but poorly understood and hence underutilised agricultural resource in the tropics. Insight into the pedogenesis of the soils could guide their exploitation. This study assessed the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of floodplain soils and explored the interrelationships among these properties for informed inferences on contemporary pedogenic processes. Surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (69–200 cm) horizons of four pedons of River Benue floodplains (central Nigeria) on shale/alluvium were sampled and analysed. The physicochemical and mineralogical properties were examined for relationships whose pedological significance was discussed. Silt and clay contents were in the ranges of 117–614 and 50–500 g kg–1, respectively, being generally higher in the surface and sub-surface horizons, respectively. The soils are young with one surface horizon being silt loam. The surface horizons had higher soil pH (5.9) but lower soil organic carbon (12.63 g kg–1), total nitrogen (1.05 g kg–1), effective cation exchange capacity (18.58 cmol kg–1), and available phosphorus (5.50 mg kg–1) than the sub-surface horizons. The minerals followed the order quartz < illite < kaolinite. Quartz related inversely to the clay minerals (kaolinite and illite), but none of these minerals influenced the physicochemical properties. Instead, soil textural/acidity indices influenced those defining colloidal activity and fertility status, implying greater dependence on their mixed parent material than overall pedogenesis. It is inferred from the mineralogical relations that illitization prevails in these fast-weathering soils. The lesser influence of pedogenesis on their inherent fertility calls for effective management using the multifunctional sawah ecotechnology. The illitization may not cause environmental problems due to clay activity. Alluvial deposit-mediated increases in silt could promote carbon sequestration; however, off-site detrimental effects of nutrients associated with this erosion-susceptible silt would be expected.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Data will be made available on reasonable request.

References

  • Abe, S. S., Masunaga, T., Yamamoto, S., Honna, T., & Wakatsuki, T. (2006). Comprehensive assessment of the clay mineralogical composition of lowland soils in West Africa. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 52, 479–488.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Adaeze, J. E., Tella, I. O., Saka, M. G., Yarduma, Z. B., Njobdi, L. A., Lumboyi, C. A., & Yekini, N. (2019). Assessment of silt deposit and soil physical properties along River Benue bank, Adamawa State. Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, 11(3), 97–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Akpa, S. I. C., Odeh, I. O. A., Bishop, T. F. A., & Hartemink, A. E. (2014). Digital mapping of soil particle-size fractions for Nigeria. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 78, 1953–1966.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Akpan-Idiok, A. U., Ukabiala, M. E., & Amhakhian, O. S. (2013). Characterization and classification of river Benue flood plain soils in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Nigeria. International Journal of Soil Science, 8(2), 32–46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alarima, C. I., Annan-Afful, E., Obalum, S. E., Awotunde, J. M., Masunaga, T., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2020). Comparative assessment of temporal changes in soil degradation under four contrasting land-use options along a tropical toposequence. Land Degradation and Development, 31, 439–450.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andrade, G. R. P., Cuadros, J., Partiti, C. S. M., Cohen, R., & Vidal-Torrado, P. (2018). Sequential mineral transformation from kaolinite to Fe-illite in two Brazilian mangrove soils. Geoderma, 309, 84–99.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andrade, G. R. P., de Azevedo, A. C., Cuadros, J., Souza, V. S., Jr., Furquim, S. A. C., Kiyohara, P. K., & Vidal-Torrado, P. (2014). Transformation of kaolinite into smectite and iron-illite in Brazilian mangrove soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 78, 655–672.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bain, D. C. (2007). Soil clay minerals and their relevance to environmental change. MACLA 7; XXVII Reunión de la Sociedad Española de Mineralogía (pp. 57–59).

  • Brady, N. C., & Weil, R. R. (2002). The Nature and Properties of Soils (13th ed., p. 960). New Jersey, USA: Prentice- Hall Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buri, M. M., Ishida, F., Kubota, D., Masunaga, T., & Wakatsuki, T. (1999). Soils of flood plains of West Africa: General fertility status. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 45, 37–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buri, M. M., Issaka, R. N., Wakatsuki, T., & Kawano, N. (2012). Improving the productivity of lowland soils for rice cultivation in Ghana: The role of the ‘Sawah’ system. Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, 3(3), 56–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen, P. Y., Wag, M. K., Wang, M. K., & Yang, D. S. (2001). Mineralogy of dickite and nacrite from Northern Taiwan. Clay Minerals, 49, 586–595.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chude, V. O., Olayiwola, S. O., Osho, A. O., & Daudu, C. K. (Eds.) (2011). Fertilizer Use and Management Practices for Crops in Nigeria, 4th ed. (pp. 42–43). Fertilizer Procurement and Distribution Division (FPDD), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja.

  • Effiong, G. S., & Ibia, T. O. (2009). Characteristics and constraints of some river flood plains soils to crop production in southeastern Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 4, 103–108.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Enwezor, W. O., Ohiri, A. C., Opuwahribo, E. E., & Udo, E. J. (Eds.) (1990). Literature Review on Soil Fertility Investigations in Nigeria (p. 281). Fertilizer Procurement and Distribution Division (FPDD), Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development, Lagos.

  • Gupta R. K. et al. (2008). Soil mineralogy. In: Chesworth W. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Soil Science. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3995-9_545

  • Haefele, S. M., Wopereis, M. C. S., Ndiaye, M. K., Barro, S. E., & Ould Isselmou, M. (2003). Internal nutrient efficiencies, fertilizer recovery rates and indigenous nutrient supply of irrigated lowland rice in Sahelian West Africa. Field Crops Research, 80(1), 19–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Igwe, C.A. (2011). Tropical soils, physical properties. In: Glinski, J., Horabik, J., & Lipiec, J. (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Agrophysics, 1st ed. (pp. 934–937), Springer.

  • Igwe, C. A., & Obalum, S. E. (2013). Microaggregate stability of tropical soils and its roles on soil erosion hazard prediction. In. Stanisław Grundas (Ed.), Advances in Agrophysical Research (Chapter 8), ISBN: 978–953–51–1184–9, InTech. https://doi.org/10.5772/52473. Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-agrophysical-research/microaggregate-stability-of-tropical-soils-and-its-roles-on-soil-erosion-hazard-prediction

  • Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2012). Multi-functionality of Sawah eco-technology: Role in combating soil degradation and pedological implications. Pedologist, 2012, 364–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • Igwe, C. A., Nwite, J. C., Agharanya, K. U., Watanabe, Y., Obalum, S. E., Okebalama, C. B., & Wakatsuki, T. (2013). Aggregate-associated soil organic carbon and total nitrogen following amendment of puddled and sawah-managed rice soils in southeastern Nigeria. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 59(6), 859–874. https://doi.org/10.1080/03650340.2012.684877

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Igwe, C. A., Obalum, S. E., & Wakatsuki, T. (2011). Multifunctionality of sawah eco-technology: why sawah-based rice farming is critical for Africa’s green revolution. Presented under Fundamental for Life: Soil, Crop, and Environmental Sciences, the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings, 16–19 Oct., 2011, San Antonio, Texas.

  • Igwe, C. A., Zarei, M., & Stahr, K. (2004). Chemical properties of Niger floodplain soils, eastern Nigeria in relation to mineralogy. Paddy and Water Environment, 2, 51–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Igwe, C. A., Zarei, M., & Stahr, K. (2008). Factors affecting potassium status of flood plain soils, eastern Nigeria. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 54(3), 309–319.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Juo, A. S. R. (1979). Selected Methods for Soil and Plant Analysis. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria.

  • Kamau, M. N. (2013) Characterization of Soil Mineralogy in Relation to Soil Fertility Functional Properties for Selected Countries in Africa. Master’s Thesis, Kenyatta University, Kahawathe, Kenya.

  • Kome, G. K., Enang, R. K., Tabi, F. O., & Yerima, B. P. K. (2019). Influence of clay minerals on some soil fertility attributes: A review: Open. Journal of Soil Science, 9, 155–188.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kumari, N., & Mohan, C. (2021). Basics of clay minerals and their characteristic properties. In: Clay and Clay Minerals (pp. 1–29), IntechOpen Book Chapter. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97672

  • Lazaro, B. B. (2015). Halloysite and kaolinite: Two clay minerals with geological and technological importance. Rev. Real Academia De Ciencias. Zaragoza, 70, 1–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • McLean, E. O. (1982) Soil pH and lime requirement. In: Page A.L., Miller R.H., & Kenney D.R. (Eds.). Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 2: Chemical and Microbial Properties (pp. 199–224). Agronomy Monograph No. 9. Madison Wisconsin: American Society of Agronomy.

  • Mutscher, H. (1985). Relationship between mineralogy of soil and assessment of potassium availability. In: Potassium in the Agricultural Systems of the Humid Tropics (pp. 155–165). Proceedings of the 19th Colloquium of the International Potash Institute held in Bangkok/Thailand.

  • Nelson, D. W., & Sommers, L. E. (1996). Total carbon, organic carbon and organic matter. In D. L. Sparks (Ed.), Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 3: Chemical and Microbial Properties (pp. 539–580). American Society of Agronomy.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nnadi, A. L., Ugwu, V. U., Nwite, J. C., Obalum, S. E., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2021). Manurial amendments and source of water for supplemental irrigation of sawah-rice system influenced soil quality and rice yield. Agro-Science, 20(1), 95–102. https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v20i1.15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nwite, J. C., Obalum, S. E., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2016). Soil physical properties and grain yields of lowland rice in response to sawah preparation intensities and soil amendment types. Biological Agriculture and Horticulture, 32(3), 192–205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nwite, J. C., Obalum, S. E., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2017). Interaction of small-scale supplemental irrigation, sawah preparation intensity and soil amendment type on productivity of lowland sawah-rice system. South African Journal of Plant and Soil, 34(4), 301–310.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nwite, J. C., Obalum, S. E., Igwe, C. A., Ogbodo, E. N., Keke, C. I., Essien, B. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2012). Sawah rice system, a technology for sustainable rice production and soil chemical properties improvement in Ebonyi State of Southeastern Nigeria. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 8(4), 351–358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nwokocha, C. C., Akamigbo, F. O. R., & Chukwu, G. O. (2003). Characterization and evaluation of soils of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, for agricultural production. In: Ojeniyi et al. (Eds.), Land Degradation, Agricultural Productivity and Rural Poverty: Environmental Implications (pp. 308–315). Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria, 4–7 November, 2003 Umudike-Nigeria.

  • Obalum, S. E., & Chibuike, G. U. (2017). Air-drying effect on soil reaction and phosphorus extractability from upland-lowland tropical soils as related to their colloidal stability. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 15(1), 525–540.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Obalum, S.E., Buri, M.M., Nwite, J.C., Hermansah, Watanabe, Y., Igwe, C.A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2012a). Soil degradation-induced decline in productivity of sub-Saharan African soils: the prospects of looking downwards the lowlands with the sawah eco-technology. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, Volume 2012, Article ID 673926, 10 pages.

  • Obalum, S. E., Chibuike, G. U., Peth, S., & Ouyang, Y. (2017). Soil organic matter as sole indicator of soil degradation. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 189(4), Article 176.

  • Obalum, S. E., Nwite, J. C., Oppong, J., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2011). Comparative topsoil characterization of sawah rice fields in selected inland valleys around Bida, north-central Nigeria: Textural, structural and hydrophysical properties. Paddy and Water Environment, 9(3), 291–299. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10333-010-0233-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Obalum, S. E., Nwite, J. C., Watanabe, Y., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2012b). Comparative topsoil characterization of sawah rice fields in selected inland valleys around Bida, north-central Nigeria: Physicochemical properties and fertility status. Tropical Agriculture and Development, 56(2), 39–48.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Obalum, S. E., Oppong, J., Nwite, J. C., Watanabe, Y., Buri, M. M., Igwe, C. A., & Wakatsuki, T. (2012c). Long-term effects of lowland sawah system on soil physicochemical properties and rice yield in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 10(3), 838–848.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Obalum, S. E., Watanabe, Y., Igwe, C. A., Obi, M. E., & Wakatsuki, T. (2013). Improving on the prediction of cation exchange capacity for highly weathered and structurally contrasting tropical soils from their fine-earth fractions. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 44(12), 1831–1848.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Obalum, S. E., Watanabe, Y., Igwe, C. A., Obi, M. E., & Wakatsuki, T. (2014). Puddling intensity for late-season sawah systems based on soil hydrophysical conditions and rice performance. International Agrophysics, 28(3), 331–340.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Obi, M. E., & Akamigbo, F. O. R. (1981). Water relations of the soils of the Niger-Anambra floodplains of southeastern Nigeria. Catena, 8(1), 285–298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ogbodo, E. N. (2012). Assessment of some soil fertility characteristics of Abakaliki urban flood plains of South-East Nigeria, for sustainable crop production. Nigeria Journal of Soil Science, 22(1), 65–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Okenmuo, F. C., Anochie, C. O., Ukabiala, M. E., Asadu, C. L. A., Kefas, P. K., & Akamigbo, F. O. R. (2020). Classification and assessment of agricultural potential of the lower Niger floodplain soils of Atani, southeastern Nigeria. Agro-Science, 19(3), 51–61. https://doi.org/10.4314/as.v19i3.9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olsen, S. R., & Sommers, L. E. (1982). Phosphorus. In: Page, A.L., Miller, R.H., & Keeney, D.R. (Eds.), Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 2: Chemical Properties, 2nd ed. (pp. 15–72). Agronomy Monograph No. 9. Madison Wisconsin: American Society of Agronomy.

  • Orimoloye, J. R., Alasa, I. R., & Umweni, A. S. (2018). Characterization and classification of some flood plain soils at Weppa, Edo State, Nigeria for sustainable agricultural productivity. Ife Journal of Agriculture, 30(3), 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuttlefield, J. D., Cox, D., & Grassian, V. H. (2007). An investigation of water uptake on clays minerals using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with quartz crystal microbalance measurements. Journal of Geophysical Research, 112, D21303.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Soil Survey Staff. (2006). Keys to Soil Taxonomy (10th ed., p. 332). US Department of Agriculture.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sulieman, M., Saeed, I., Hassaballa, A., & Rodrigo-Comino, J. (2018). Modeling cation exchange capacity in multi geochronological-derived alluvium soils: An approach based on soil depth intervals. Catena, 167, 327–339.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, G. W. (1982). Exchangeable cations. In: Page, A.L. (Ed.), Methods of Soil Analysis, Part 2: Chemical Methods (pp. 159–165). Agronomy Monograph No. 9. Madison Wisconsin: American Society of Agronomy.

  • Tsozué, D., Tematio, P., & Tamfuh, P. A. (2016). Relationship between soil characteristics and fertility implications in two typical Dystrandept soils of the Cameroon Western Highland. International Journal of Soil Science, 11, 36–48. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijss.2016.36.48

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Udo, B. U., Utip, K. E., Inyang, M. T., & Idungafa, M. A. (2009a). Fertility assessment of some inland depression and floodplain (wetland) soils in Akwa Ibom State. Agro-Science, 8, 14–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Udo, E. J., Ibia, T. O., Ogunwale, J. A., Ano, A. O., & Esu, I. E. (2009b). Manual of Soil. Sibon Books Limited, Lagos.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ukabiala, M. E. (2012). Characterization and Classification of River Benue Floodplain Soils in Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. M.Sc. Thesis Submitted to the School of PostGraduate Studies, Kogi State University, Anyigba.

  • Wakatsuki, T., Buri, M. M., Bam, R., Oladele, O. I., Ademiluyi, S. Y., Obalum, S. E., & Igwe, C. A. (2016). Sawah Technology (3Paper) Principles: Sawah hypothesis (1) for scientific technology application and (II) for sustainability through multi-functionality of Sawah systems in watershed agroforestry, i.e., Africa Satoyama System. http://www.kinki-ecotech.jp/

  • Wakatsuki, T., Obalum, S. E., & Igwe, C. A. (2011). Multifunctionality of sawah eco-technology: why sawah-based rice farming is critical for Africa’s green revolution. Paper presented at the First International Conference on Rice for Food, Market and Development (organized by Rice-Africa), 3–5 March 2011, Raw Materials Research and Development Council Corporate Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

Download references

Acknowledgements

Many thanks are due to Kindai University (formerly Kinki University), Japan, for initiating and funding the New Sawah Project in Nigeria, and to Ecotechnology Laboratory at the School of Agriculture at Nara campus of the University for providing training and support to some of the authors (SEO, CAI and H) on the mapping, delineation, potential and management of the abundant tropical lowland resources with emphasis on inland valleys and floodplains at various times before and during the study. Deserving of a special mention is Prof. T. Wakatsuki, the head of the New Sawah Project and the principal investigator at the Ecotechnology Laboratory. Our thanks are also due to the Department of Soil & Environmental Management of Kogi State University, Anyigba-Nigeria for providing the platform for the study and supporting authors MEU and SOA during the study as well as to the Department of Soil Science of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka-Nigeria for providing an enabling environment for authors MEU and KJ to work on the data and prepare the original draft of the paper while on their PhD programme. Finally, we thank Dr Francis Rayns of Coventry University UK for his comments on the English of the paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Agricultural Training Centre, Ochaja, Kogi State, Nigeria

    Maduabuchi E. Ukabiala

  2. Department of Soil & Environmental Management, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

    Maduabuchi E. Ukabiala & Sunday O. Amhakhian

  3. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), No. 6, Port Harcourt Crescent, Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Abuja, Garki, Nigeria

    Jonah Kolo

  4. Department of Soil Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Sunday E. Obalum & Charles A. Igwe

  5. Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia

    Hermensah

Authors
  1. Maduabuchi E. Ukabiala
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jonah Kolo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sunday E. Obalum
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Sunday O. Amhakhian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Charles A. Igwe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Hermensah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sunday E. Obalum.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ukabiala, M.E., Kolo, J., Obalum, S.E. et al. Physicochemical properties as related to mineralogical composition of floodplain soils in humid tropical environment and the pedological significance. Environ Monit Assess 193, 569 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09329-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09329-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation